WAEPA Hires Michelle Suckow as New Chief Operating Officer (COO)
Michelle Suckow joins WAEPA as its COO to lead strategic planning and organizational operations.
Falls Church, VA (July 2026) — WAEPA (Worldwide Assurance for Employees of Public Agencies, Inc.) is pleased to announce that Michelle Suckow has joined the organization as Chief Operating Officer.
Ms. Suckow brings more than 25 years of experience in insurance leadership to WAEPA. Prior to joining the organization, she led operational teams to become more efficient, scalable, compliant, and member-focused. Focusing on quality, process improvements, and leveraging technology allowed her previous organizations to grow through operational efficiencies, member and client referrals, cross-selling, and new product development and launches.
Ms. Suckow’s experience working for carriers, third-party administrators (TPAs), and an auditing firm brings a unique perspective on identifying operational best practices. Most recently, she led an organization through the development, filing, marketing, and sale of Hospital Indemnity, Cancer, Critical Illness, Heart/Stroke, and Accident insurance products.
“WAEPA has a strong foundation and a clear commitment to its members,” said Ms. Suckow. “I look forward to working across the organization to align our efforts, execute our strategic priorities, and continue building an operation that supports WAEPA’s long-term success.”
Ms. Suckow holds Bachelor of Arts degrees in Economics and Business Administration, as well as numerous professional designations. Outside of work, she enjoys spending time with family, traveling, volunteering, and supporting nonprofit organizations focused on health, research, survivorship, and animal welfare.
“As we continue to grow and evolve, strengthening our operational capabilities is essential to serving our members for the long term,” said M. Shane Canfield, CEO of WAEPA. “Michelle has deep operational expertise, a strategic mindset, and a commitment to continuous improvement. She’s the right leader to help us strengthen our organization, advance our strategic priorities, and build on the member-first values that have guided WAEPA for more than 80 years.”
About WAEPA
Worldwide Assurance for Employees of Public Agencies (WAEPA) is a nonprofit association formed For Feds, By Feds. WAEPA’s mission is to provide access to products and services that promote the health, welfare, and financial well-being of its members. After more than 80 years in business, WAEPA has more than 50,000 members.
Media Contact
Lindsey Shindler, Public Relations Manager
Phone: (571) 800-2323
Email: lshindler@waepa.org